A tense moment unfolded during a Russian foreign ministry press conference when an unexpected phone call interrupted the official proceedings.
According to Metro, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova received a mysterious call instructing her not to comment on allegations regarding the deployment of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in Ukraine during a live television briefing.
The incident occurred while Zakharova was fielding questions from journalists about recent military activities.
The caller, using an informal tone, specifically directed her to maintain silence about the missile strike targeting Ukraine that had taken place earlier that morning.
The unidentified male caller addressed Zakharova using the informal nickname "Mash" instead of her full name Maria. Their exchange was partially captured by microphones positioned in front of the spokesperson during the briefing. The conversation revealed explicit instructions regarding information control about the alleged ICBM strike.
When questioned about the unusual interruption by Russian state news agencies, Zakharova attempted to downplay the situation.
She explained that seeking expert clarification during briefing preparations was standard protocol. The spokesperson maintained that the call simply confirmed the ministry's position of non-commentary on the matter.
Russian Telegram channels have identified the target as the Ukrainian missile and space rocket company Pivdenmash, headquartered in Dnipro. This development marks a potential escalation in the conflict, as it would represent the first deployment of such a powerful long-range weapon during the ongoing invasion.
The use of an ICBM, if confirmed, would represent a major escalation in Vladimir Putin's military campaign against Ukraine. These weapons are among the most powerful in any nation's arsenal, capable of delivering devastating payloads across vast distances.
Zakharova's interaction with the mystery caller, as recorded during the briefing, provided insight into Russia's information control measures. The spokesperson acknowledged the call with the following exchange:
Yes, I am at a briefing... About the ballistic missile strike on Yuzhmash (rocket company Pivdenmash) that the Western media are talking about, we are not commenting at all.
The timing and nature of the interruption during a live broadcast raised questions about Russia's military operations and information management strategies. The incident highlighted the sensitive nature of military communications and the careful control of information during ongoing conflicts.
Maria Zakharova, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, faced an unprecedented interruption during a live television briefing when she received instructions to withhold information about a potential ICBM deployment against Ukraine.
The incident revealed possible military escalation through the alleged use of intercontinental ballistic missiles targeting Ukrainian facilities, specifically the Pivdenmash rocket company in Dnipro. This development, if verified, would mark the first instance of such powerful long-range weapons being employed in the current conflict, potentially signaling a new phase in Russia's military strategy.
